Discovery City Learning Centre, Wirral

This project involves the addition of high-tech, science based teaching, conference and library facilities to a highly successful, but physically run-down school. The slender, boat-shaped design provides an efficient internal layout and good integration with the existing school, radically improving its appearance. The building achieves zero energy performance by being low-energy in itself, with natural ventilation and lighting, and by significantly reducing energy consumption in the existing school.

Date: 2001-03
Budget: £1.95 million
Client: Ridgeway School / Wirral MBC

Sustainability achievements:

• Physical regeneration of a run down school
• Extension of school use to wider community and for longer hours
• Zero energy building
• Low-energy construction
• Natural ventilation
• Natural lighting
• Radically improved image, accessibility and security
• Landmark building